Central, home to the final stop of the Hong Kong International Airport Express, is packed with high-end restaurants offering Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine. When it comes to gourmet dining, Central is arguably the most competitive area in Hong Kong. But for food lovers, affordability is just as important as taste—spending less on meals means more for souvenirs or other experiences. So here are three budget-friendly and delicious B-class gourmet spots you should check out in Central.
1. Tai Cheong Bakery
The first stop on our list is the famous Tai Cheong Bakery. Their specialty is the egg tart, which ranked number one among 226 dessert shops on a global travel site’s Hong Kong dessert rankings. This is a must-visit for any self-proclaimed foodie.
Besides Central, they also have branches at Victoria Peak, Wan Chai, and the ferry pier at Tsim Sha Tsui. Known for being tasty and affordable, lines are common but turnover is fast, so the wait isn’t too long.
Tai Cheong’s egg tarts are Hong Kong-style, with a cookie-like crispy crust that’s more dessert-like than the Portuguese-style version from Macau. The custard filling has a strong egg flavor with a balanced sweetness. Eat one fresh and hot on the spot, and you’ll understand why it ranks #1.
To get there, take the Central Mid-Levels Escalator and get off at Peel Street, then head toward SOHO. Look for a cute, sky-blue storefront among the busy Central streets.
Name: Tai Cheong Bakery
Address: G/F, 35 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central
Website: http://www.taoheung.com.hk/tc/brands/tai_cheong/index.html
2. Lan Fong Yuen
The second recommended spot is Lan Fong Yuen. It’s a beloved go-to for affordable and tasty eats in Central, known especially for its milk tea (奶茶). While most milk teas at typical Hong Kong-style cafés (cha chaan teng) tend to be overly sweet, Lan Fong Yuen’s milk tea is distinctively refined.
They boil selected tea leaves for about 40 minutes and strain the tea through dense wool fabric, resulting in a smooth, sediment-free drink.
Regulars often pair the milk tea with French toast or a zhu pa bao (Hong Kong-style pork chop bun). The pork chop is crispy, topped with tomato and lightly sweet homemade mayonnaise, and served in a toasted bun. There’s also a curry-flavored version.
From MTR Central Station Exit D1, head right and take the Mid-Levels Escalator. Get off at Peel Street and follow the signs down the stairs.
Name: Lan Fong Yuen
Address: No. 2 Gage Street, Central
3. Fairwood (Dai Fai Wut) – Central Branch
Third on the list is Fairwood, a popular fast-food chain with over 100 locations across Hong Kong. The Central branch features a café-style interior with cheerful orange decor, making it easy for solo female diners to feel comfortable.
You’ll find all the typical cha chaan teng dishes, along with pasta, curry, and even hot pot sets for one—perfect for solo travelers seeking variety and value.
The local favorite is baked pork chop rice, Hong Kong’s version of gratin. It’s rich and flavorful, and pairs perfectly with milk tea. Fairwood’s milk tea is brewed strong for that extra kick. Seasonal menu items also keep things fresh for return customers.
From MTR Central Station Exit D2, head southwest and turn right onto Queen’s Road Central. The store is on the left side.
Name: Fairwood (Central Branch)
Address: 2/F, Manning House, 38-48 Queen’s Road Central, Central
Website: http://www.fairwood.com.hk/tch/promotions/promotions.jsp
◎ Summary
Central, a financial hub, is packed with both tourists and office workers, making it a gourmet battleground. Naturally, affordable and tasty places draw long lines during lunch hours, so if you’re sightseeing, it might be smart to eat slightly earlier or later.
This area also tends to have higher average lunch prices than the rest of Hong Kong. However, the spots we’ve listed should all offer satisfying meals at reasonable prices.